View from the students

Suzanne Thomson, from Lochgilphead, is on the full-time course that started last September and was full of praise for the new course.

She said: ‘It’s been fantastic.

‘I decided to do it just for me because I hadn’t picked up a brush in 30 years. It’s not only been educational but great fun and I found a lot out about myself.

‘I’ve always been creative and make my own jewellery and crafts and things. I was worried it might just be all school leavers but it’s a big mix of people.

‘I’m by no means an artist now but I’ve definitely improved and its been a great success. Ill be going on to study level six next year.’

Julie Mather, also a full-time student on the portfolio course, spoke about the value of going out and studying artists’ works in galleries. She explained: ‘On the course we’ve gone on a number of different trips to galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art in Glasgow.

‘The trips have been pretty inspiring really – it’s always good to see different artists’ works and different mediums.

‘Also, it gives you confidence knowing that something that looks bad to one person may be seen as brilliant to another.’